Learning from humpback whales for improving the energy capturing performance of tidal turbine blades

Weichao Shi, Mehmet Atlar, Rosemary Norman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This paper summarizes a project on the potential of further improving the performance of horizontal axis tidal turbines via the application of leading-edge tubercles to the turbine blades inspired by humpback whales. Within this framework, a wide variety of experimental investigations, supported by numerical studies, have been conducted.
The study first focused on the design and optimisation of the leading-edge tubercles for a specific tidal turbine blade section by using numerical methods to propose an “optimum” design for the blade section. This optimum design was then applied onto a representative tidal turbine blade. This representative 3D blade demonstrated significant benefits, especially after stall. The experimental measurements were further validated and complimented by numerical simulations using commercial CFD software for the detailed flow analysis.
Following that, three tidal turbine models with varying leading-edge profiles were manufactured and a model test campaign was conducted in the cavitation tunnel to evaluate their efficiency, cavitation, underwater noise, and detailed flow characteristics. Based on these experimental investigations it was confirmed that the leading-edge tubercles can improve the hydrodynamic performance in the low Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) region without lowering the maximum power coefficient; constrain the cavitation development to within the troughs between the tubercles; and, hence, mitigate the underwater noise levels.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTrends and Challenges in Maritime Energy Management
EditorsAykut I. Ölçer, Momoko Kitada, Dimitrios Dalaklis, Fabio Ballini
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages479-497
Number of pages19
ISBN (Print)9783319745756
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 May 2018

Publication series

NameWMU Studies in Maritime Affairs
PublisherSpringer
Volume6
ISSN (Print)2196-8772

Keywords

  • tidal turbine
  • blade design
  • leading-edge tubercles
  • biomimetic

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Learning from humpback whales for improving the energy capturing performance of tidal turbine blades'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this